Pre-dyed Red Heart Fair Isle yarn looks good when the number of stitches across the work and the tension are set just right for the pattern to knit up looking like a classic Fair Isle sweater yoke. But trying to achieve that exactness is not everyone’s cup of tea. I have more fun exploring how I can make the colors and textured stitches mingle, which is today’s topic!

A few well-placed shaping stitches and a combination of knits and purls, and you have a unique square motif that merges the Fair Isle stripes with textured diamonds.

The only thing I would do differently with this square would be to knit it with size US6 [4mm] needles instead of the US8 [5mm] I used. As you can see, the ‘twisted make one’ stitches are just a little too loose.

The flared diamonds are made with common decreases and a twisted make one increase.

How to knit the twisted make one increase.

With yarn at back of work, bring over top of left-hand needle and back down between the needles.

Slip the loop over to the right-hand needle.

Other abbreviations for this pattern include the following.

The abbreviations and stitch symbols used for the chart and text instructions.

While the pattern isn’t reversible, the diamonds are visible on either side.

The right-side of the Flared Diamonds block

Wrong side of the Flared Diamonds block

This pattern can be easily adapted to knit wider pieces. Simply add multiples of 44 stitches and work the first and last sets of 3 stitches the same for the edging as for the original block.

Flared Diamond Chart – Click to download PDF

This chart is also available as a downloadable PDF that allows you to zoom in for a closer look.

About Charles Voth

I’m Charles Voth, a crochet and knitting professional. I enjoy reviewing yarns and tools to help others find materials that will help them be happy with what they stitch. I design garments and accessories and items for the home. I teach both crafts at yarn stores, in schools, and at craft shows and retail events. I am also a technical editor of both crochet and knitting patterns and illustrate the charts and diagrams that make pattern reading accessible to so many.

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